The recycling of solar power plants primarily involves the proper disposal and recycling of the various components used in solar panels and other equipment. While solar panels have a long lifespan, typically around 25 to 30 years, eventually they will reach the end of their useful life and need to be reused and after that recycled, extending the life cycle of products to forever. We are opposed to practice of planned obsolescence, as we strongly believe in reducing waste to a minimum or zero. This protects the environment by lowering the use of natural resources, reducing landscape and habitat disruption and helps limit biodiversity loss.
Reduction in total annual greenhouse gas emissions can’t only be achieved by simply switching to green energy, we need to make sure all the steps leading to production of this green energy (and all step after it) are part of circular economy. More than 80% of a product’s environmental impact is determined during the design phase and we believe in projects must take circular economy principles into consideration from step one.
As we know that Moving towards a more circular economy will increase competitiveness, stimulate innovation, boost economic growth, and create jobs, we welcome additional measures to achieve a carbon-neutral, environmentally sustainable, toxic-free and fully circular economy by 2050.
Here are the key steps involved in the recycling process of a solar or wind power plant that ESGnovo is planning to set up:
1. Collection and Transportation
The first step is to collect the used or decommissioned solar panels and other equipment from the power plant site. Transportation methods may vary depending on the location and quantity of the materials.
2. Sorting and Disassembly
At a recycling facility, the collected components are sorted according to their type, technology, and composition. Disassembly involves removing the various components, including the glass, metals, and semiconductor materials, from the panels.
3. Glass / turbine blades recycling or reuse
The glass from solar panels can be recycled and used in the production of new glass products. It undergoes a crushing process to break it down into small pieces, which are then melted and molded into new glass items. And we can reuse wind turbine blades as canopy over EV charging stations, for example.
4. Semiconductor Material Recovery
The semiconductor materials, such as silicon, used in solar panels can be extracted and reused. Different techniques, such as thermal processing or chemical treatments, are employed to recover the valuable materials.
5. Metal Recovery
Solar panels contain various metals, such as aluminum, copper, and silver. These metals can be separated and recycled for use in other industries. Metal recovery is typically achieved through shredding, separation, and purification processes.
6. Hazardous Waste Management
Certain components of solar panels, such as lead-based solders and certain chemicals, may be considered hazardous waste. These materials need to be properly managed and disposed of according to applicable regulations to prevent environmental contamination.
7. E-Waste Management
In addition to solar panels, other electronic components used in a power plant, such as inverters, batteries, and wiring, may also require recycling. These items should be handled as electronic waste (e-waste) and recycled through appropriate channels.
